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Hike along the Qin-Shu Ancient Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Explore the ancient villages and historical landmarks along the route. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic landscapes, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The Qin-Shu Ancient Road is an ancient road that runs from the Guanzhong Plain to the Chengdu Plain. It is a road for economic, political, and cultural exchanges between Shaanxi and Sichuan.
The Qin-Shu Ancient Road, stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers from Chang'an (present-day Xi'an) to Chengdu, began with the Chang'an Ziwu Ancient Road, the Tangluo Ancient Road at Luoyukou in Zhouzhi, the Baoxiade Road in Meixian, and the Chencang Road in Baoji, before reaching Hanzhong and Chengdu.
The Qin-Shu Ancient Road transportation system is mainly composed of six routes. It is one of China's important cultural routes. It is an important historical channel connecting the Guanzhong Plain and the Chengdu Plain in ancient times. It is a cultural channel for the integration of the Yellow River Basin civilization and the Yangtze River Basin civilization. Along the route are distributed buildings, bridges, roads, grottoes, stone carvings and numerous interdisciplinary, cross-field and cross-departmental cultural heritages such as geology, hydrology, and ecology.
Monsoon climate; suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for 3-5 days
free
The Qin-Shu Ancient Road, built during the Qin Dynasty, was an important trade and military route linking Xi'an to the Shu region (modern-day Sichuan). It played a significant role in the transportation of goods and the spread of culture during ancient times.
The Qin-Shu Ancient Road is located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. It is accessible by taxi or private car from the city center of Xi'an. There is no direct metro access, but buses and taxis can take you to various starting points along the road.
The Qin-Shu Ancient Road is open year-round. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months (April to October) when the weather is mild. Avoid the summer months, as it can be quite hot and crowded.
There is no entrance fee for the Qin-Shu Ancient Road itself, but certain sections or attractions along the route may require a fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online for specific attractions.
No advanced booking is required for the road itself. However, it is recommended to book tickets in advance for specific attractions or guided tours, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn).
Exploring the Qin-Shu Ancient Road can take a full day, depending on the sections you visit. If you're hiking the entire route, it may take several days, but most visitors enjoy a half-day or full-day trek along key parts of the road.
The key highlights include the ancient stone paths, historical villages, and the scenic mountain views along the road. Some of the ancient temples and pagodas are also notable attractions.
Guided tours are available, especially for those interested in the historical context of the road. Tours are typically offered in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides may be available upon request. Audio guides are not commonly offered.
The best viewpoints are located along the mountain sections of the road, where you can capture sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The area around the ancient stone bridges and villages also offers excellent photo opportunities.
The most popular itinerary includes starting from Xi'an and hiking a few kilometers along the ancient stone road. Key stops include the ancient villages and temples along the route. You can choose a route based on the level of difficulty you want, from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
There are no specific night visits or light shows along the Qin-Shu Ancient Road. However, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stargazing in certain parts of the route after sunset, as it is away from city lights.
The Qin-Shu Ancient Road is generally not as crowded as other tourist destinations in Xi'an. The least crowded times are during weekdays and in the off-season (November to March), especially on weekdays outside national holidays.
There are limited facilities along the road, so it is advisable to bring your own water, snacks, and basic supplies. Some small villages along the route offer food and water. Toilets are available at key stops but may not be very frequent along the road itself.
The Qin-Shu Ancient Road is a rugged and mountainous route, so it may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the road but should be supervised, especially in more challenging sections. Some parts are easier to navigate than others.
Cash is widely accepted along the route, but larger establishments or tourist sites may also accept mobile payments (like WeChat Pay or Alipay). It is recommended to carry cash for smaller purchases.
There are small local restaurants in the villages near the Qin-Shu Ancient Road, offering traditional Chinese food. For more variety, Xi'an has a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants, particularly in vegetarian-friendly Chinese cuisine. Halal food is available in Xi'an, but it may be limited along the road itself. Vegan options can be harder to find.
Accommodations are available in Xi'an, which is a short drive away from the Qin-Shu Ancient Road. There are also guesthouses and inns in the nearby villages for a more rustic experience.
Nearby attractions include the Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the ancient city wall of Xi'an. These landmarks are easy to combine with a visit to the Qin-Shu Ancient Road for a full day trip from Xi'an.
Souvenir shops can be found in the villages along the road and in Xi'an. Popular souvenirs include traditional crafts, silk products, and local snacks. You can also find replicas of historical artifacts from the Qin Dynasty.
After visiting the Qin-Shu Ancient Road, visitors can continue their trip to other historical sites in Xi'an by taxi, private car, or bus. Xi'an also has a major train station and airport for long-distance travel.
